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Leg Cramps
Medical Questions » Leg Cramps
| Name: Leg Cramps |
| Also known as: Muscle Cramps; Nocturnal Cramps |
| Very common painful leg condition. |
Causes of Leg Cramps
A combination of minor muscle injury caused by vigorous or unusual exercise, a build up of waste products in the muscle and dehydration. Worsens with age and pregnancy. |
Symptoms of Leg Cramps
Sudden, painful spasm of the muscles in the leg calf, or elsewhere in the body, usually following exercise. |
Tests for Leg Cramps
In severe intractable cases, blood tests may show a biochemical imbalance. |
Treatment for Leg Cramps
Stretching the affected muscles by standing on the balls of the feet can ease the spasm. Prevention is better than cure, and taking adequate amounts of fluid during and after exercise prevents dehydration. If this is insufficient, medications (eg. quinine) can be prescribed to be taken after sport to prevent the cramps. Tonic water or bitter lemon drunk after exercise may also help as these drinks contain quinine.
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Complications of Leg Cramps of its treatment
Minor muscle tears and persisting muscle aches may occur. |
Likely Outcome of Leg Cramps
Usually settle quickly, but recurrences common. |
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